What is a silkworm?
Q: What is a silkworm?
A: A silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the Bombyx mori moth.
Q: How long has silk been made in China?
A: Silk has been made for at least 5000 years in China.
Q: Why is the Bombyx mori moth important?
A: The Bombyx mori moth is important because it makes silk.
Q: Is the Bombyx mori moth able to survive in the wild?
A: No, the Bombyx mori moth is entirely dependent on humans and no longer lives in the wild.
Q: What do silkworms eat?
A: Silkworms eat mulberry leaves.
Q: Where are silkworms native to?
A: Silkworms are native to northern China.
Q: Can the domesticated B. mori and wild Bombyx mandarina breed and produce hybrids?
A: Yes, the domesticated B. mori and the wild Bombyx mandarina can still breed and sometimes produce hybrids.
